Boards & Commissions

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Boards & Commissions

Goshen’s boards & commissions, primarily composed of dedicated volunteers, play a vital role in enhancing the community’s strength and efficiency. These groups address a wide range of issues, from urban planning to public safety, ensuring that diverse community needs are met. Their commitment fosters civic engagement and contributes significantly to Goshen’s quality of life.

Starting in January 2025, all boards & commissions will meet at Council Chambers inside the Goshen Police & Courts Building, 111 E. Jefferson St.

If you’re interested in serving on one of Goshen’s boards & commissions, you can apply for an appointment by clicking the button below.

Apply Here

City Council

Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month – unless otherwise noted – at 6 p.m.

Brett Weddell (Republican) – President
Donald Riegsecker (Republican) – Vice President
Doug Nisley (Republican)
Matt Schrock (Republican)
Megan Peel (Democrat)
Linda Gerber (Democrat)
Phil Lederach (Democrat)
Youth Advisor: Tageeya Galeb (6/24 – 5/25)

Role: The legislative body responsible for enacting ordinances, resolutions, and policies to govern the city. Next municipal election is November 2027

To learn more about the City Council and ways to contact council members HERE.

Board of Public Works & Safety

The Board meets every Thursday (claims only on the third Thursday of each month) at 4 p.m.

Mayor Gina Leichty
Michael Landis, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
Mary Nichols, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
Barb Swartley, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
Orv Myers, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
Staff Liaisons: Dustin Sailor, Anthony Powell, José Miller
City Council Liaisons: Don Riegsecker, Linda Gerber

Role: Oversees the city’s daily operations, including public works, safety, and infrastructure projects.

Learn more about the Board of Public Works & Safety HERE.

Redevelopment Commission

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m.

Brian Garber, Mayor Appointee (1/25 – 12/25)
Jonathan Graber, Mayor Appointee (1/25 – 12/25)
Colin Yoder, Council Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
Megan Hessl, Mayor Appointee (1/25 – 12/25)
Brett Weddell, Council Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
Bradd Weddell, Non-voting School Board Liaison appointed by Council (1/25 – 12/25)
Staff Liaison: Becky Hutsell, Redevelopment Commissioner

Role: Acts as a catalyst for new development in targeted areas through real estate acquisition, site preparation, and infrastructure provision.

Learn more about the Redevelopment Commission HERE.

Plan Commission

Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m.

VACANT, Board of Works Appointee
Rolando Ortiz, Mayor Appointee (1/23 – 12/26)
Tom Holtzinger, Mayor Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)
Richard Worsham, Mayor Appointee (1/25 – 12/28)
Dustin Sailor, City Engineering Appointment, Ongoing Appointment
Aracelia Manriquez, Mayor Appointee (2/24 – 12/27)
Hesston Lauver, Mayor Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)
James Wellington, Park Board Appointee (1/23 – 12/26)
Council Liaison: Doug Nisley

Role: Guides the city’s growth and development by reviewing and approving land use plans and zoning changes.

Learn more about Plan Commission HERE.

Board of Zoning Appeals

Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m.

Tom Holtzinger, Mayor Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)*
Lee Rohn, Council Appointee (1/21 – 12/25)
Hesston Lauver, Plan Commission Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)*
James Loewen, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/27)
Matthew Fisher, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/27)

Role: Hears and decides on appeals regarding zoning decisions, ensuring fair application of zoning laws.

* Member of the City of Goshen Plan Commission

Learn more about the Board of Zoning Appeals HERE.

Board of Building Appeals

Meetings held as necessary.

Fire Chief Anthony Powell, Mayor Appointee (11/24 – 12/25)
Josh Munson, Council Appointee (1/23 – 12/25)
Jason Oswald, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
Council Liaison: Doug Nisley (1/24 – 12/25)

Role: Reviews appeals related to interpretation of building codes and construction standards, ensuring safety and compliance.

Board of Aviation Commissioners

Meetings are held the Third Monday of each month at 2 p.m.

Roger Yoder, Mayor Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)
Patty Morgan, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/27)
Dennis Richmond, Mayor Appointee (1/23 – 12/26)
Steve Johnson, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/27)
Jeff Hartzler, Mayor Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)
Staff Liaison: Randy Sharkey
Council Liaison: Phil Lederach

Role: Oversees the management and development of the Goshen Municipal Airport.

Learn more about the Board of Aviation HERE.

Community Relations Commission

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m.

Eman Monge, Council Appointee (1/25 – 12/27)
Lori Copsey, Council Appointee (1/25 – 12/27)
Angie Wentz, Mayor Appointee (1/25 – 12/27)
Tim Swartzentruber, Mayor Appointee (1/25 – 12/25)
VACANT, Mayor Appointee
VACANT, Mayor Appointee
VACANT, Council Appointee
City Council Liaison: Phil Lederach
Staff Liaisons: Amanda Guzman and Michael Wanbaugh

Role: Enhances Goshen’s quality of life by promoting inclusivity, addressing discrimination, and fostering community engagement.

Learn more about the Community Relations Commission HERE.

Board of Cemetery Trustees

Meetings are held quarterly on the first Thursday of the quarter at 2 p.m.

Pete Weddell, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/27)
James McKee, Mayor Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)
Colin Yoder, Mayor Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)
Staff Liaison: Burt Matteson
Council Liaison: Doug Nisley

Role: Manages and oversees the maintenance and operations of the city’s cemeteries.

This board meets quarterly, on the first Thursday, 2 p.m., at the City Hall Conference Room.

Economic Development Commission

Aileac Deegan, Mayor Appointee (10/21 – 10/25)
VACANT, Council Appointee
Jorge Montenegro, Mayor Appointee (9/23 – 1/26)
Staff Liaison: Becky Hutsell

Role: Promotes economic growth by facilitating development projects and initiatives.

Downtown Economic Improvement District

Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 a.m.

Mim Shirk, Council Appointee (6/24 – 5/26)
Jason Oswald, Council Appointee (6/24 – 5/26)
Denise Davis Council Appointee (6/24 – 5/26)
Rosie Morales, Council Appointee (6/23 – 5/25)
Justin Bell, Council Appointee (6/23 – 5/25)

Role: Enhances the downtown area through economic improvements and revitalization efforts.

Learn more about the Downtown EID HERE.

Parks & Recreation Board

Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 4 p.m.

Jennifer Shell, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/27)
Megan Hessl, Mayor Appointee (10/24 – 10/27)
Jenni Samuel, Mayor Appointee (1/22 – 12/25)
James Wellington, Mayor Appointee (1/23 – 12/26)
Youth Advisor: Katherine Orellana Pineda (6/24 – 5/25)

Role: Enriches Goshen’s quality of life by providing diverse recreational opportunities, maintaining public green spaces, and promoting community wellness.

Learn more about the Parks and Recreation Board HERE.

Shade Tree Board

Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m.

Emma Conrad, Council Appointee, (1/24 – 12/26)
Adam Knott, Council Appointee (1/25 – 12/27)
Natasha Kauffman, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/26)
Pippen Roth, Council Appointee (1/24 – 12/26)
Kyle Strain, Council Appointee (1/24 – 12/26)
City Council Liaison: Matt Schrock
Youth Advisor: Magdalena Bridger-Ulloa (6/24 – 5/25)

Role: Advocates for the preservation and planting of trees, enhancing urban forestry.

Traffic Commission

Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m.

Nick Kieffer, Mayor Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
Alan Metcalfe, School Board Appointee (1/24 – 12/25)
David Gibbs, Mayor Staff Appointee
Anthony Powell, Mayor Staff Appointee
Ryan Adams, Mayor Staff Appointee
Council Liaison: Brett Weddell
Staff Liaison: Andrew Lund
Youth Advisor: Brayden Wiese (6/24 – 5/25)

Role: Reviews traffic concerns and makes recommendations for road safety improvements. To submit traffic-related concerns, please email: engineering@goshencity.com.